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"It is nice to be appreciated by the supporters, and I have to admit it has given me a lot of confidence.

"Obviously it takes the gloss off it a bit when you lose the game. I would rather Glentoran were winning. But it is nice."

Pepper admits he is gradually building up to full fitness after returning to football following a lengthy absence due to injury.

Conor Pepper is felled by Coleraine defender Aaron Traynor

The midfielder's career was derailed when he suffered a horrific knee injury with Morton in 2016.

"Players who are out for 6-9 months say it usually takes six months to catch up. I was out for two-and-a-half years, so I know it is going to take time," Pepper added.

"I train all the time. I am in the gym regularly and I work hard, but nothing replicates playing 90 minutes of a football match.

"I am getting there, but I have more to come. The main thing is I am loving it at Glentoran. The whole place has been really welcoming since I arrived and I am enjoying my football here."

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